HP Gas, Indane, and Bharat Gas have issued an alert to customers—do not ignore it under any circumstances..
LPG Cylinder: A major change has been implemented regarding the delivery of LPG gas cylinders across the country. Now, companies such as HP Gas, Indane, and Bharat Gas are requiring customers to provide a DAC—or Delivery Authentication Code—before handing over the cylinder. This new system has been introduced to ensure customer safety and guarantee accurate delivery. However, alongside this change, instances of cyber fraud have also begun to rise. Consequently, gas companies have issued an important alert for their customers.
**What is the New DAC System?**
The DAC is a type of security code or OTP (One-Time Password) that is sent to a customer's registered mobile number immediately after they book a gas cylinder. This code must be shared with the delivery personnel only when they arrive at your home with the gas cylinder. The delivery is considered complete only after the code has been successfully matched. The objective of this system is to prevent erroneous deliveries of gas cylinders and to enhance transparency. This ensures that the cylinder reaches the correct customer and that delivery records remain secure.
**Why Did HP Gas Issue an Alert to Customers?**
HP Gas recently advised its customers to remain vigilant via its social media handle, 'X' (formerly Twitter). According to the company, various fraudsters are sending fake LPG delivery messages and soliciting OTPs from people. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of any message before placing your trust in it.
The company clarified that genuine messages will *always* originate from the official sender ID: 'VM-HPGASc-S'. These messages contain a 4-digit DAC code. This code is intended to be used exclusively at the time of delivery.
The company has explicitly stated that no HP Gas employee will ever request an OTP via a phone call, WhatsApp, or through a web link. If you receive a message that pressures you to take immediate action or appears in an unfamiliar format, you should ignore it.
**Key Points to Keep in Mind**
HP Gas has advised customers to pay special attention to the following points regarding the delivery of LPG gas cylinders:
* First and foremost, verify whether you actually booked a gas cylinder. If you receive a delivery-related message without having made a booking, exercise extreme caution.
* The message should contain your booking number, invoice number, and a 6-digit DAC. Share this code *only* when the delivery personnel arrive at your doorstep with the gas cylinder.
* Never share your DAC or OTP over a phone call.
* Remain wary of suspicious messages or links received via WhatsApp. Important Advisory for Indane and Bharat Gas Customers
Indane and Bharat Gas have also advised their customers to remain vigilant. Messages from Indane typically originate from official IDs such as VK-INDANE or VM-INDANE. These messages contain the booking number and the DAC code. If the format of a message appears unusual, or if information is requested in haste, exercise immediate caution.
Please bear in mind that online fraud is on the rise these days. In such a scenario, a little caution can protect you from financial loss. Gas companies never request OTPs via phone calls or links. Therefore, do not share your DAC with any unknown individual. If a message appears suspicious, immediately contact your gas agency or the company's official helpline number.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
